The field of psychology is evolving to open up the chances for workers to find new areas of practice in their careers. Every year, about 12,000 students get a degree in psychology in the UK, and their services are in demand worldwide. Employment of psychologists is predicted to grow by 19 per cent during 2014-24, compared to an average of all other occupations of only 7 per cent. This is equivalent to over 32,500 fresh job openings in this exciting area.
Whether you are a fresh graduate or transitioning in your career, 2024 is a great year to be in psychology. Here are five or ten psychology careers you should think about.
1. Genetics Counselor
Average Salary: $69,458
Area of responsibility of genetic counsellors: Genetic counsellors are essential because they help people and families understand genetic disorders. This field calls for specialized knowledge and sometimes may demand certification, which entails studying genetics and counselling at the graduate level. Employees in this field collaborate with doctors, geneticists, and nurses to provide full service for individuals prone to passing hereditary disorders to descendants. This is a demanding, gratifying position because immense change can be made in people’s lives.
2. Sports Psychologist
Average Salary: $45,966
As mentioned, it is a very engaging field of study for anyone who fancies a blend of psychology and sports courses. Doing so makes sports psychologists concerned with athletes’ psychological well-being and motivation to train and perform. Most chiropractors practice in clinics, private practices, hospitals, universities, and other sports institutions. Sometimes, the tasks include counselling an athlete through psychological barriers, rehabilitation for a specific trauma and going for that extra mile, driving him mentally to reach his full potential.
3. Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Average Salary: $115,867
IO psychology is a branch of industrial and organizational psychology that uses principles of behaviour to deal with organizational performance. Some of the jobs within this career include staff development, performance evaluation, and management development. A master’s degree may provide an entry into the academic and professional world, but a doctoral degree is perhaps essential to be considered for better-paid, more challenging jobs. This position will be suitable for individuals with a passion for psychology and business.
4. School Psychologist
Average Salary: $66,166
School psychologists help students, parents and teachers with concerns that affect children through social, academic, emotional and behavioural functioning. School psychologists point out that, due to the developing increased focus on mental health problems in students, the number of applicants is growing dramatically, while the number of those willing to work as school psychologists is decreasing. Based on this career, the childhood issues that end up being addressed range from learning disability, behaviour issues, and emotional issues; hence, this career would be very fulfilling for people with good hearts who love to see children attain their dreams.
5. Counselor
Average Salary: $52,345
Psychotherapists help people with different problems or concerns in their lives, such as depression, marriage difficulties and alcoholism. Some counsellors can be found in the social services or healthcare systems; others can work for governmental organizations, educational systems and facilities or private practices. Most states insist that one must possess a master’s degree, which makes this a course that incorporates a mastery of academia and experiences in practice.
6. Forensic Psychologist
Average Salary: $61,183
The specialization between psychology and the criminal justice system makes forensic psychology an exciting and vivid study area in many instances. A forensic psychologist might engage himself or herself in a case dealing with a criminal profile parenting plan or a psychological evaluation report for court purposes. Forensic psychology may be familiar to the public and often featured in media and fiction; it is, however, complex and demanding, involving knowledge of law and psychology.
7. Engineering Psychologist
Average Salary: $101,500
Engineering psychologists study how people work with machines and technology and how environments and products can be easily used. It can encompass areas of consumer products and even the environment where people spend most of their working time. Specialists in engineering psychology perform their duties in research laboratories or at private companies, designing innovations that can facilitate the use of products.
8. Vocational Counselor
Average Salary: $47,459
Career counsellors are a valuable asset in today’s world, where employees are likely to switch jobs more often. Some vocational tests include personality tests and career skills inventories that the vocational counsellors use to direct the clients to a particular career path. They also aid in resume construction, interviewing and stress related to employment. This career is best suited for individuals who are best suited to helping others make the best life decisions.
9. Special Education Teacher
Average Salary: $48,857
While the teaching specialist is not strictly a psychological profession, special education teachers are intimately involved with children with learning, behavioural, or other problems. One must attain a bachelor’s degree and complete a particular education course. There is an uprise in the demand for qualified teachers in this area; this is a perfect job for psychology graduates interested in education or child development.
10. Clinical Psychologist
Average Salary: $68,900
Clinical psychologists help their patients with various mental health problems, evaluating mental health disorders and providing therapies; they can work in different spheres such as hospitals, own practices, clinics, etc. This is one of the most significant and numerous speciality areas in psychology; a doctorate is needed, and frequently, an internship year as well. Clinical psychology is another of the most meaningful professions in the field because its practitioners help people cope with or treat mental disorders.
Conclusion
The field of psychology presents various employment opportunities to interested certified practising psychologists. Every profession has advantages and disadvantages, from genetics counselling to clinical psychology. As the need for psychology experts is still rising, it is a great time to look for these opportunities and choose the right career for you. It matters whether your interests lie in improving people’s lives, changing the behaviour of organizations, or developing technology; psychology has something for all of these.
